Abuja: The Anekwe brothers, Uzor, 14, and Eze, 11, have expressed their ambition to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games in the future.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the young swimmers disclosed this in separate interviews after the just-concluded Swim for Future Swimming Championships in Abuja. The brothers showcased their exceptional talents by winning seven medals each, totaling a combined haul of 14 medals. Eze triumphed with three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal, while Uzor secured one gold, four silver, and two bronze medals.
Eze’s gold medals were in the 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre butterfly, and 100-metre freestyle events. He also claimed silver in the 200-metre Individual Medley (IM), breaststroke, and backstroke events, and a bronze in the relay. “My plan for the future is to reach the Olympics, and next time I want to get all the gold. I want to get every medal,” Eze said.
Uzor’s gold medal came from the 200-metre Individual Medley, with silver in the 50-metre freestyle, 50-m
etre butterfly, 100-metre freestyle, and backstroke events. He also won bronze in the breaststroke and relay. “I wish that they will be doing this event in the future, and I wish that my swimming will take me to the Olympics,” Uzor stated.
The championship was organized to provide opportunities for young swimmers to engage in the sport and develop their potential. Lekan Fatodu, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), emphasized that the event continues the legacy and vision of the late President of the federation, Chamberlain Dunkwu. Fatodu asserted the federation’s commitment to offering young swimmers opportunities to enhance their skills and fulfill their potential.
“By giving opportunities to these young people, we are not only helping them in sports, but also supporting their academic development and social interaction. Participation in swimming also helps young people develop a sense of responsibility and find their place in society,” he said. He further added that the federation would co
ntinue to promote initiatives to integrate such programs into the permanent aquatics sporting calendar.